David Crawford McCoy

David McCoy Obituary
David Crawford McCoy, age 95, passed away on March 31, 2024. He was born to the late John C. McCoy and Ella Mae Crawford in Franklin, Pennsylvania on January 11, 1929. David was preceded in death by his brothers, James Reed, Kenneth Edward, and Lyle Stanley.
After graduation from Emlenton High School, Emlenton, Pennsylvania, he attended Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio. He graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor's Degree in Science with Music Supervision. David was a member of the Alban Club and a life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity.
At Muskingum College, he met Polly (Mary Pauline Coleman), his lifelong soul mate. They were married in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on December 27, 1952.
He served in United States Air Force Bands as a bandsman at Selfridge AFB, Michigan. Studied bassoon with Hugh Cooper (Detroit Symphony and University of Michigan). Transferred to McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington. Along with the McChord AFB Band, he played in the College of Puget Sound and the Tacoma Civic Orchestra – Principal Bassoon. Polly and David had their first child – Kristen (Paul Koning), in 1956, at the base hospital.
Upon discharge in 1956, Polly, Kris and David returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan where he earned a Master's Degree in Music – Woodwind Performance. He majored in bassoon with Hugh Cooper and played in the U of M Symphony Band – Principal Bassoon – Dr. William D. Revelli, Director of Bands and clarinet in the Marching Band – George Cavender – Asst. Director of Bands.
Teaching career in Michigan: 1958 – 1963 he taught at Blissfield High School. In 1958, the second child Beth (Richard Cooler) was born in Adrian, Michigan. Third child Todd (Alice) was born in 1960 in Adrian. 1963 – 1971 David taught at Jackson High School. David was named Michigan Teacher of the Year – Orchestra in 1970. Fourth child Amy was born in Jackson, Michigan in 1966. David taught at Olivet College from 1971 – 1978. Fifth child Scott (Kim) was born in Charlotte, Michigan in 1971. From 1979 – 1990 David taught at East Grand Rapids High School, where he retired from teaching. He was Music Director and Conductor of The Grand Rapids Youth Orchestra for nine years. David judicated Orchestra and Band Festivals and Solo and Ensemble Festivals for 40 years. He was co-founder with Joseph Nelson and arranger of the Westwinds - (Woodwind Quintet + Piano) for 15 years.
David leaves behind his wife, 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Proud parents of their five children, David and Polly were keenly interested in their families' journey through life.
On June 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Beacon Hill at Eastgate Auditorium, 1919 Boston Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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